At Solon High School, Carter tallied 33 receptions for 890 yards and thirteen touchdowns as a senior in his first season of football.
Carter spent his rookie season in 2004 on injured reserve after tearing his ACL during June coaching sessions.
He made the team roster midway through the 2005 NFL season after the team released Rod Gardner, and taking his first catch 44 yards to set up a Panthers score.
In 2007 Carter had his most productive NFL regular season, making 38 catches for 517 yards and 4 touchdowns, all of which were among the team's top three performances.
On Saturday August 23, 2008, Carter suffered a season-ending injury when he tore the ACL in his left knee during the Oakland Raiders third preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.